One of the greatest rishis (sages) of ancient times; priest of the solar race of kings; revealer of several Vedic hymns. Had sacred, wishfulfilling cow called Nandini. (Glossary for the Vahinis)

 

Agastya and Vashistha were both children of Mitra Varuna and both were born from the same pot. (SSS Vol. IV p.29) Was born of a public woman (Jnana Vahini p.30)

 

Vashistha: Dasharatha’s resident preceptor. Vashistha said, “O Dasharatha, do you know why I am serving as a priest in your royal household? I am not here because I am enamoured by your wealth, fame, and power. I knew that God was going to take birth here in human form. I wanted to sanctify my life by having the darshan of that divine boy, spending time with Him, and experiencing bliss. That is the reason why I am here, and not for any worldly gains. Why do you entertain doubts about Rama? Send Him immediately with Sage Vishwamitra to the forest.” With great reluctance, Dasharatha yielded to Vashistha’s command. (SSB 2000 p.214-215)

 

Vashistha was one of the seven great sages, Saptarishis. (SSS Vol. 19 p.108)

 

The sage’s consort, the famed Arundhati (was the) embodiment of all the virtues which adorn the noblest of women. (RKRV Part 1, p.14)

 

Sage Vyasa was the great-grandson of the sage Vashishta. (SSS Vol.2 p.70)

 

Vashistha was a Brahmarshi

Vashistha was a great saint who had a vision of this ananda. He experienced this ananda and knew what bliss was. This is the reason why Vashistha was always described as a Brahmarshi. Vashistha had the great good fortune of performing the naming ceremony of Ramachandra, of giving Him the first morsel of food, of initiating Him into studies and of performing His Upanayanam. Such a great saint with such good fortune will be recognised as one who has had the direct vision of ananda and experienced the bliss of ananda.  On many occasions Vishwamitra showed a considerable amount of jealousy towards Vashistha. On some occasions, Vishwamitra also tried to kill Vashistha. Still, Vashistha was so generous that he treated Vishwamitra with great kindness. Such peace and such prema and freedom from hatred and jealousy can come only to great saints who had a direct vision of ananda. (SSB 1977, p.127-128)

 

Sattvika Tapas

Vashistha attained the title of Brahmarshi and Vishwamitra also wanted to attain the title of Brahmarshi. Even after years of Tapas, he could not attain the same. Vishwamitra became furious because even when the world honoured him with the appellation of Brahmarshi, Vashistha did not agree to call him so. Anger induced the thought in Vishwamitra that if he eliminated Vashistha from the world, then everyone would honour him with the name of Brahmarshi.

 

The words that come out of the Vedas refer to and contain in themselves the names of all forms and for this reason it also has a name ‘Bibharti’. This has been explained in Manusmriti by saying all the Jivas have the aspect of Bibharti in them. Thus, identity of the aspect with the Brahman follows. In this sequence, the identity between the Veda and the word ‘rishi’ has been established as the very first step. While expanding the meaning of the word ‘rishi’, we need to take account of the aspect of the Vedas. In this context, we recognise the inner meaning of the word ‘rishi’. For the individual who can experience the Vedas and Brahman directly, the name ‘rishi’ is appropriate. One who can explain and expound the essential form of the Veda can be called a ‘Rishi’. Our Puranas have been telling us that Vashistha is the first rishi. Vashistha had the aspect of Brahman in him and he was called Brahmarshi.

 

Vashistha had a title which meant that Vashistha had understood all that was known to Suras, the sacred peoples and Vashistha was known as the head of all these sacred peoples. It is quite easy to call oneself by the name Brahma rishi but it is very difficult to get the qualities of a Brahmarshi. If one wants to acquire the aspect of Brahmarshi, One should merge in the Brahman and become identical with Brahman. (SSB 1974, p.43/44)

 

Once, on a moonlight night, Vashistha was describing to his pupils the qualities of Vishwamitra. Vishwamitra, who was hiding behind a bush with a sword in his hand to stab Vashistha, happened to hear the glowing tributes Vashistha was paying to Vishwamitra. Vashistha was not aware that Vishwamitra was hiding behind the bush and in his normal manner was describing the good qualities of Vishwamitra’s tapas, which he compared to the moonlight. This brought about a sudden transformation in Vishwamitra. He began to repent in his mind his decision to kill Vashistha, who was such a great man and was talking about his fine qualities. He thought how bad he was when he entertained the thought of killing him. He felt that he must make amends and fell at the feet of Vashistha, expressing his repentance.

 

He did so and Vashistha with a beautiful smile said: ‘Great Brahmarshi, wherefrom have you come?’ When Vashistha addressed him thus Vishwamitra was surprised and felt quite repentant. He even challenged Vashistha but realised that Vashistha had something he did not possess and that was the strength of God, which is superior to all other kinds of strength. (SSB 1972 p.211) Vashistha said: ‘Today you really deserve the appellation of Brahmarshi, because you have eliminated all your anger and ego and fell at my feet in a mood of utter repentance.’ Vashistha explained that he could not be styled Brahmarshi, so long as the ego persisted in him. When the swelling of the head disappeared and he fell at the feet of his rival, he became entitled for the honour he no longer coveted, and so deserved. He who aspires to be a guide of the people must first free himself of selfish propensities, of hate and malice. His words must be sweet to the ear and food to the spirit. They must be valued by all men as the panacea they need. If one is not capable of this high poetry, one must try to reach that height by purifying one s nature and clarifying one s outlook on this world and the next. (SSS Vol.5 p.97)

 

We must recognise the truth underlying this episode. So long as there is the feeling of anger and ego in our hearts, we will not be able to feel well in our life and will feel sick in our mind. One’s anger is one’s greatest enemy and one’s calmness is one’s protection. One’s joy is one’s heaven and one’s sorrow is one’s hell. He who is possessed by anger will be hated by people because he will commit a number of bad deeds. Anger leads to many great sins. First, we must endeavour to control this emotion of anger. Sometimes, ego also enters the feeling of anger. The prestige of an individual is sometimes undermined by one’s own wealth and one’s pride in wealth. One’s wealth creates a kind of barrier between him and his kith and kin. People lose everything and are exposed to great suffering because of their anger.

 

If we aim at transcendental reality and Divinity, we must decide to bring this great emotion of anger under control. Anger is caused by weakness. It is not the weakness of the body but of the mind. To give strength to our mind and remove the weakness from our mind, it is necessary to fill it with good thoughts, good feelings and good ideas. While the funeral pyre consumes the dead, chinta, or an agitated mind, reduces to ashes the living body. It is a living death if one is obsessed by pride, ego and anger. A state of mind in which one overcomes these things is described as sthitaprajna. A sthitaprajna is one who is neither elated by joy nor depressed by sorrow. He can take joy and sorrow in his stride with the same equanimity of mind. (SSB 1972 p.236-237)

 

Why, even renunciants have worries! Vashistha was a Divine Sage. He was the epitome of greatness, master of all divine powers. Even this Divine sage sometimes failed to recognise Divinity. He knew that; Rama was the incarnation of Lord Narayana. Once upon a time he told Dasharatha, ‘King Dasharatha! I do not desire anything from you. I really have no need to come to your kingdom and stay here as your Royal Priest. But I know that Lord Narayana will incarnate in your house. I want to see Him, serve Him. That is the only desire, which makes me stay here. I have not come for fame, respect, wealth or comfort.’ Vashistha himself was competent to acquire all worldly prosperity by mere willing. Such a great sage later taught Shri Rama the collection of teachings known as Yoga Vasishtam! Why did Vashistha fall into delusion? It was because Rama behaved like a normal man, showing His Divinity only occasionally.

 

The outer form donned by Avatars misleads everyone. Another example. Scholars determine muhurtas, or auspicious moments, for important occasions such as marriages and inaugurations of projects. Vashistha made a muhurta for Shri Rama’s coronation. After much study and meditation, Vashistha decided that 7am on a particular day would be most appropriate to install Rama as King. This muhurta was meant for coronation but resulted in exile! So what was its efficacy? Remember, this was no ordinary muhurta set by some ordinary brahmin. Vashistha was a Brahmarshi. (one established in Brahman – Self)’. A sage of the highest calibre. A muhurta set by him cannot be invalid, Yet, did the coronation take place? No. Not just that, but Rama was exiled to the forest! How did this happen? The reason is,  nothing can stop Divine Will, not even the will of a Brahmarshi, Rama planned these events to show His Divinity to the world. (SSB 1995, pp.38-39)

 

Vashistha was the chest house of Atharva Veda:

The Veda has various popular names—Brahma Veda, Angiro Veda, Artharvangiro Veda, Bhaishajya Veda. Kalidasa has praised sage Vashistha as ‘Atharva Nidhi’ (the Treasure Chest of Atharva knowledge). As a result of his earning such high renown, Vashistha was installed as Rajaguru (Royal Preceptor) and could claim mastery over all the four Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva) and the authority to supervise ritual sacrifices and perform scriptural rites and ceremonies. (LKV, p.25)

 

Vashistha realised that Rama was the personification of Dharma:

In the Ramayana, although in many situations Rama appears to act like an ordinary human being, sage Vashistha, who knew his Atmic Reality, observed: ‘Rama! You are the very embodiment of Dharma (right action). You are not this corporeal entity, made up of flesh and blood. You are the embodiment of all the sacred mantras. You are not of the earth. You are the Eternal Spirit. The common folk may regard you as an ordinary mortal. But the Yogis (liberated persons) experience you as the Divine upholder of Dharma.’ The Rama avatar is the very incarnation of Dharma. Raa means ‘purushatvam’ (the quality of manliness), ‘mahapurushatvam’ (super-human quality). ‘Maa’ has also got several meanings. ‘Rama’ symbolises the unity of Prakriti (creation) and Paramatma (the Omniself). (SSS Vol.17 p.168)

 

Vashistha felt that Rama incarnated as the embodiment of Dharma. That is why, he declared Ramo Vigrahavan Dharmah, i.e., Rama is the embodiment of Dharma. (SSB 1974 Part II p.240) Rama is the personification of Dharma. Dharma itself incarnated in the form of Rama. You should follow Dharma. Which Dharma should you follow? Do not follow the Dharma associated with your mind. Follow the principle of Dharma which comes from your heart. You should recognise the glory of this name. (SSS Vol.40, p.104)

 

Vashistha achieved the goal for which he waited for a long time:

Vashistha the great Sage was moved by the splendour that shone in the face of Rama. He was delighted beyond measure at the divine effulgence of the Rama Form. ‘I achieved today the goal for which I have been waiting so long, he felt, and he ruminated on that joy and remained blissful and silent.’ (RKRV Part II, p.281)

 

Accepted the profession of Family Preceptor on the advice of Brahma

One day, Vashistha entered the Palace in order to see Rama, the Grantor of prosperity in all fields. Rama received him in true traditional style, washing his feet and offering sanctified water as drink. He raised his folded palms and said, ‘Oh Ocean of Compassion! I have a request to make. I have been watching most delightfully your ‘play as man.’ I am beset with a big doubt, now. Your potency is limitless. Even the Vedas do not know fully your Nature. Lord! How can I describe you, or decipher you? This profession of Family Preceptor or Priest is rather derogatory. The Vedas, Shastras and Puranas declare that priesthood is inferior in status, since it is a mean occupation. He has to officiate at all the ceremonies in his master’s household, both auspicious and inauspicious. Therefore, it is contaminated. First, I did not agree at all to enter this profession, but Brahma saw me and understood my plight. He told me, ‘Son! You do not know what lies in the future. Accept the profession, without demur. You stand to gain enormously in the coming years. The Parabrahman will incarnate in the Raghu dynasty.’ Hearing this, I bowed my head to this profession and became the Family Priest of the Raghu dynasty. I have now, as a result of that decision, attained that Supreme Principle, which can be won only by means of countless years of Japa, Tapas, Meditation and Yoga, besides the performance of many Yagas and Yajnas, without putting myself into the hardship involved in these. All those good Karmas have as the goal to be won, and I have won you.

 

‘What better work have I to do than the one I have chosen? Lord of Lords! Japa, Tapas, Yajnas, Yagas. Vows, Rites and Ritual rules have been laid down in the Vedas. Through the cultivation of wisdom, compassion living beings, and virtuous conduct, your Presence and Grace can be attained. Lord! I am praying for a boon. Grant me that in your infinite mercy. Shower your Grace from the corner of your compassion-filled eye. Let my devotion for you be undiminished, however many lives I have to live hereafter. This is the boon I crave for’. Vashistha returned to his residence, taking leave of Rama. (RKRV Part II, p.299-300)

 

Sage Vashistha occupied the pride of place among Brahmas. He was the foremost among the seven great Rishis. He was the Royal Guru (Preceptor) to the Ikshvaku lineage. Creator Brahma once felt that there is a gradual decline of the noble lineage in the world and consequently decline in Dharma as also a total absence of noble qualities like love, compassion and tolerance. As a result, he felt that there is a possibility of the demons proliferating the entire world. He therefore resolved that the noble lineages shall be revived with the help of great sages. As part of His divine plan Brahma prompted Sage Vashistha to marry Arundhati. A noble and pious lady. Vashistha obeyed His command and married Arundhati.. They built an Ashram (Hermitage) and led a simple but ideal family life, constantly contemplating on Atma-tattva. There is not even a trace of kama (desire). Krodha (anger), lobha greed), moha (delusion), mada (pride) and matsarya (envy) in Sage Vashistha. They were strictly following the rules and austerities of Ashram life laid down in scriptures. (Beacons of Divine wisdom Part 1, p.96)

 

 

Sage Vashistha taught the nature of Karma and Brahman to several kings. He taught philosophy and epics as well as the secret of divine incarnations to them. Not only that; he authored a Smriti (sacred text containing moral codes) too, which contains thirty chapters. It is named, ‘The Vashistha Dharma Sutra.’

 

Thus, The sage Vashistha earned a great name and fame for himself as a noble soul who had the good fortune of constant darshan, Sparshan and sambhasana of God Himself and thus sanctified his life. He was an erudite scholar in all branches of knowledge. He was a divine Rishi. He knew that Shri Rama was an incarnation of Lord Narayana, verily.(Beacons of Divine wisdom Part 1, p.97)

 

Emperor Dasharatha at the time of performing certain rituals in connection with the birth of his children, approached his Guru Sage Vashistha seek his blessings for them. Sage Vashistha replied ‘Oh! Dasharatha! How can I utter the words of blessings in my present state when I have body consciousness totally on seeing these divine children? The purpose of my stay with you is served completely. I am lost in divine bliss. My long felt desire is fulfilled. I had the darshan of Lord Narayana. My life is sanctified. How do I bless Him? I am not that great as to bless Paramatma. There can no greater foolishness than that. In fact, it is a serious mistake to get lost in such ignorance. You do not realise that Lord Narayana Himself is born in your family. You are deluded by putra Vatsalya’ (Fatherly affection for the child).’ So saying Sage Vashistha shed tears of joy and returned to his place. (Beacons of Divine wisdom Part 1, p.98)

 

All Powerful-Prayer

Once, Sage Vashistha and Janaka visited Valmiki. Valmiki sacrificed a cow, cooked the meat and served the guests. Though it was meat, Vashistha thought that it would not be good on his part to refuse when Valmiki offered with so much love. It is after all the duty of the host to serve. So Vashistha chanted Brahmarpanam and ate the meat. After eating, when he was going to wash his hands, the cow came back to life. That is the power of God. What was meat also became a vegetarian meal when partaken with all – powerful prayer! (Heart to Heart Part I p.15)

 

Great Renunciator:

Sage Vashistha is also said to have renounced a kingdom, offered him by Rama. (SSS Vol.4 p.290) 

 

Silence is golden:

Great sages like Vashistha and Vishwamitra, by observing silence, could enjoy and have the vision of the Anandamaya Kosha and they could set good examples to the world. (SSB 1977 p.132)

 

Eschew evil and be fixed in Faith

If Amrita is given, one has to live up to that status, the status of having acquired the Grace of God. Vashistha commissioned Raghu, the Emperor, to tend his cow, the celestial Kamadhenu. Since it was an order that emanated from his spiritual preceptor, Raghu himself took up that task and led the cow into the pastures. One day, when a lion threatened to pounce upon Kamadhenu, and insisted that she must be given to him for his lunch, as he was hungry, Raghu offered his own body instead. That is how one has to live up to the status assigned to him. When you are raised to the status of Amrita receivers, you must eschew evil and be fixed in faith.

I have no intention to create and give Amrita on this Vaikuntha Ekadashi day. For no one walks on the path I have chalked out, no one feels bound by the advice I give. Your enthusiasm is short lived; your resolution to follow My instructions evaporate quickly. As boiling milk rises, overflows and becomes still, devotion develops and dies soon. It does not stay unshaken. Today, in certain Vishnu temples, a special door called the Vaikuntha dvara is opened, and people can pass through it into the presence. Vaikuntha dvara is the Gate to Heaven, that is to say, the gateway to self-realisation. The gateway to that heaven is not to be found only there; it will open, right in front of you, wherever you are. Knock and it will open. (SSS Vol.6 p.112-113